Former Sheboygan A's players Jason Bartelt and Josh Krowiorzwill soon be inducted into a hall of fame

The Wisconsin State Baseball League will bring former Sheboygan A's players Jason Bartelt and Josh Krowiorz into its hall of fame during its annual awards dinner in January it was announced this week.

The pair will be two of five inductees slated to become part of the league's eighth Hall of Fame class at the dinner Jan. 24 at Breaking Bread in Sheboygan. To date, 38 players have been inducted.

The league's Rookie of the Year in 1997 and Most Valuable Player in 2000, Bartelt led the A's to championships both years and was voted all-league shortstop in his five seasons (1997-2001). He finished as a .379 hitter, which ranks sixth among all players with 700 or more plate appearances.

Bartelt hit .434 his rookie season and led the league in runs and hits. He hit .397 in 1998 and a league-leading .421 in 2000. In 1999, he led the league and set single season records in games played, plate appearances and at bats. He also led the league in stolen bases in 1999 and 2000 and doubles in 2000.

Currently the Director of Athletics and head baseball coach at Marian University, Bartelt resides in Fond du Lac with wife Ann and sons Casey and Carter.

"It is a tremendous honor," Bartelt said in a press release. "It is unbelievable to now be a part of the family of talented players that is represented in this group. The best memories I have of playing with the Sheboygan A's are all tied to the WSL and the players that were in it."

Krowiorz will be the first Manitowoc Bandits player ever to be inducted, but the standout third baseman began his career with two seasons in Sheboygan — he hit .342 his rookie year.

In 1999 the A's released Krowiorz so he could play for his hometown team, which he did for the next 13 seasons. Only 13 other players have played longer than Krowiorz.

He ranks fourth all-time in games played, plate appearances and at bats and is fifth in walks with 191.

"Some of my favorite memories are from my days playing for Manitowoc and Sheboygan in the State League with and against some of the best players in the region," Krowiorz said.

Krowiorz works for the Milwaukee Brewers as Manager of Baseball Systems Development. He and his wife Jessica reside in Menomonee Falls with children Kayte and Kendall.

The dinner begins at 6 p.m. following a 4:30 p.m. social hour. The program will begin at 7 p.m. Cost is $30 per person with a reservation and payment due date of Jan 17. Make checks payable to Wisconsin State League and mail to WSL, PO Box 32, Sheboygan, WI 53082-0032.